Burj Khalifa guide

Burj Khalifa Tips for Visiting

No visit to Dubai is complete without visiting the world's tallest building
By Casey Makovich

When you're in the UAE, you simply must see the Burj Khalifa. Step out of the elevators and onto the observation deck and you'll have 360-degree views of the entire city, surrounding desert, and ocean.

At 2,716 and a half feet tall, the Burj Khalifa holds many world records. It is the tallest free-standing structure, it has the most floors, the highest occupied floor, and the highest outdoor observation deck. It's got the elevator with the longest travel distance, the tallest art gallery, and more.

As the tallest building, the Burj Khalifa offers the best views of the Dubai skyline and beyond from its observation deck. Walk around it and soak up the views from the At the Top experience's floor-to-ceiling windows.

How do I get At the Top - Burj Khalifa discount tickets?

burj-khalifa-dubai-uae-tallest-skyscraper

We've got you covered. At the Top - Burj Khalifa admission is included on all Go City® Dubai passes.

Please note: SKY access is not included on the Go City® Dubai passes. You can upgrade your Burj Khalifa admission to include SKY access to levels 124, 125, and 148 which includes the outdoor terrace on floor 148 and a guided tour when you arrive at the At the Top - Burj Khalifa ticket counter.

Tips for Visiting At the Top - Burj Khalifa
 

  • For the best photos: the best views and lighting for photos are right before sunset. Stay for the sunset and you'll get both daytime and evening views of the Dubai skyline. Or, if you want to get a surreal photo of the city in the clouds, from above the clouds, try to visit during a foggy morning.
     
  • Bring your camera and a selfie stick. As the highest observation deck in the world, the Burj Khalifa has plenty of photo opportunities.
     
  • Use the on-site telescopes to help identify the Burj Khalifa's surrounding buildings and points of interest.

When is the best time to visit the Burj Khalifa?

To avoid the crowds, visit the Burj Khalifa on a weekday, preferably as early as you can.

What is there to do at the Burj Khalifa?

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  • Ride the 'travelator,' a 65-meter-long elevator ride that travels at 10 meters per second up to the observation floors. On the ride, you'll watch an informative multimedia display about the city's important historical moments, including how the Burj Khalifa serves as an icon of the Middle East.
     
  • After you look around the 124th floor, climb the spiral staircase to the 125th floor where you'll be 456 meters above ground. Roam around the spacious deck – it's tastefully decorated in Arabic mashrabiya.
     
  • Explore the 'Dubai - A Falcon's Eye View' exhibit on the 125th-floor observation deck. It puts all of Dubai's major landmarks in perspective compared to the Burj Khalifa.
     
  • Look through the deck's advanced telescopes featuring full HD cameras and high zoom. They are located on both the 124th and 125th floors and are an interactive way to see the lights and identify and learn about the landmarks.
     
  • Have any questions? Don't hesitate to ask the Guest Ambassadors your questions - they provide context and fun trivia.
     
  • Watch The Dubai Fountain show and enjoy the aerial view from At the Top. You can hear the fountain performance soundtrack from At the Top for a fully immersive experience.
     
  • Check out the lobby of The Residence at Burj Khalifa. A sculpture named 'World Voices,' designed by Jaume Plensa, features 196 cymbal instruments that sound when water drops from the ceiling. The sounds they create are meant to sound like the voices of people around the world.
     
  • Giorgio Armani designed the lobby of the Armani Hotel Dubai. Be sure to check it out to experience the luxury of the Burj Khalifa.

Observation Decks

Burj Khalifa

Observation Decks

At the Top - Burj Khalifa tickets feature two different experiences:
 

  • At the Top - Burj Khalifa: access to levels 124 and 125 which are the main observation decks. They are included as an attraction choice on Go Dubai sightseeing passes!
     
  • At the Top - Burj Khalifa| SKY: access to levels 124, 125, and 148 which includes access to the outdoor terrace on the 148th floor and a guided tour. If you prefer, upgrade your ticket to include SKY access when you get to the ticket counter upon arrival.

Burj Khalifa facts

Burj Khalifa facts

Burj Khalifa facts

 

  • Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, the 4th of the Mission Impossible series, featured the Burj Khalifa. You can see Tom Cruise scaling the side of the building.
     
  • The Burj Khalifa is the world's first Armani Hotel with luxury accents and designs, like fabrics and furniture. All were designed by Giorgio Armani.
     
  • It's one of the most photographed buildings in the world.
     
  • The construction of the Burj Khalifa, from excavation to its televised unveiling, took 6 years to complete.
     
  • If you weighed the total amount of concrete used in the building's construction, it was approximately equal to the weight of 100,000 elephants.
     
  • The tower features a Condensate Collection System that collects condensation from the tower's air-conditioning systems and irrigates the building's gardens.
     
  • When you visit you'll get to ride in the world's fastest double-decker elevators that take you to the observation deck.
     
  • The structure of the Burj Khalifa features a design that embodies the structure of the Hymenocallis, or, Spider Lily flower.

What attractions are near the Burj Khalifa?

The Burj Khalifa is considered the anchor of the Downtown Dubai community. It's close to lots of attractions, restaurants, shops, and more, including some of our top picks: 

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo - Researcher Experience: visit one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world, home to over 140 species of aquatic animals, to learn about and get up close to thousands of sea animals, including sharks, rays, crocodiles, and more. 

The Green Planet: this fully immersive vertical tropical forest features four levels of varying ecosystems, complete with plant and animal life, like butterflies, frogs, tropical birds, insects, and more. 

Hub Zero: this entertainment hub is a virtual gamer's dream come true. It features multiple levels of highly immersive and interactive games, thrill rides, and more. You're not just playing the games, you're in them. Here, you'll be able to put all of your skills to the test at the various stations within Hub Zero.

Where is there to eat near the Burj Khalifa?

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If you want to grab a bite to eat before or after you visit the observation decks, here are our recommendations: 

Rainforest Cafe - Dubai Mall: more than a restaurant, Rainforest Cafe - Dubai Mall, is a tropical adventure. Use your Go City® Dubai pass to get your choice of a meal and enjoy the entertaining atmosphere that surrounds you. 

Eataly Dubai Mall: Experience the culinary best of Italy without leaving the Middle East. Poke around the various stations and go on a flavor-filled adventure through Italy. 

Markette: It has a French-inspired menu and an upscale ambiance. Markette is one of the top-rated places to eat within the Dubai Mall. 

Arabian Culinary Experience at Al Hallab: Head here for an 'as authentic as it gets' Arabian culinary experience. Enjoy outdoor terrace views of Burj Khalifa, the Fountains, and Dubai Opera.

Need to know details

Hours: Open daily starting at 8:30am and closes at 11pm. 

Getting your tickets: When you arrive at Burj Khalifa, you'll receive a timed ticket for admission to the Burj Khalifa. Based on availability, it might be at a later time in the day or at a later date. 

Address: At the Top, Burj Khalifa / Level: Lower Ground Floor, The Dubai Mall Parking: Cinema Parking (Green), P1 Dubai.

Check out our itinerary inspiration including the best attractions in Dubai.

If you decide to visit Dubai during Ramadan be sure to check out our helpful guide.

Save up to 50% on Dubai attractions  

Discover our full line-up of Dubai attractions from At the Top - Burj Khalifa to Dhow Dinner Cruise Dubai Creek.

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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New Years Eve in Dubai
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New Years Eve in Dubai

Want to celebrate new year's eve somewhere exotic? Why not try the exciting entertainment found in Dubai? From extravagant galas to boat trips under the stars, whatever you do, it won't be a new year you'll soon forget! Here are our picks of the very best entertainment in Dubai this new year's eve! Including: Clubbing Fireworks Dinner cruises Desert adventures QE2 and more! Check out Dubai's club scene If you're feeling funky and need your new year's backed by a banging beat, then Dubai's got you more than covered. You'll find plenty of popping parties throughout the city, ensuring you'll ring in the new year with aplomb. Perhaps the biggest is at Atlantis, The Palm, where Aussie mega-star Kylie Minogue will take to the stage for a new year's bonanza. You can try and get her music out of your head, but you'll fail. Minogue'll be backed by a 30-piece band, and your night will be backed up by unlimited drinks and a buffet of caviar, lobster, and sushi. You know, the good stuff. Another alternative is Ce La Vi - the internationally renowned rooftop bar franchise. Their Dubai spot will have new year's shenanigans to rival any you'll find at sea level. Think DJs, live music, great drinks, and great views. Catch Dubai's NYE fireworks at Burj Khalifa Fireworks on new year's eve are traditional to many cultures across the globe, and in Dubai, it's no different. Every year, a stunning display of colorful gunpowder erupts across the city's skyline. And where better to watch it than at Burj Khalifa. But you needn't go to the top to make the most of it. Instead, thousands of tourists and locals alike accumulate around the base of the tower and the surrounding area to see in the new year. You'll find people congregated at Dubai Fountain, Umm Suqeim Park, and even Jumeira beach to see the show. Do turn up early, in case you struggle to find a spot. It's arguably Dubai's most popular new year's experience, so get there an hour or two before midnight. Ring in the new year on a luxury dinner cruise Of course, if you want to get the best views of the fireworks without shoulder-barging through crowds of people, why not wine, dine, and party on the water? You can do just that on some of Dubai's NYE luxury dinner cruises. You'll have plenty to choose from, each offering varying levels of luxury, added benefits, and even locations. But no matter which you choose to ride, you'll be in for a fun-filled New Year's Eve in Dubai! Sip drinks on the top deck as the fireworks shimmer on the water, then head below to dance the night away until the sun rises. The perfect way to tick off 'act like you're in a rap video' from your bucket list. Image courtesy of Pit Stock/Shutterstock Try a remote new year's eve on a desert safari experience If you want to forego crowds entirely, and fireworks aren't really your thing, how about an all-inclusive trip to Dubai's diamond desert for a more laid-back affair? Embark on an adventure in the dunes for one of the most unique new year's eve experiences in Dubai. Whether you want a laid-back evening of BBQ and entertainment or a more adrenaline-fuelled romp across the sand, you're sure to find one that's perfect for you. Then, when the midnight bell tolls and the new year is upon us, feel free to venture back into town and catch some of the post-fireworks fun. Or just go to bed; it's completely up to you. Get swanky at Madinat Jumeirah If you're looking to upscale your new year's eve experience in Dubai, dress to the nines and book a ticket to the gala dinner at the famous Madinat Jumeirah resort. With live entertainment featuring fire dancers and musicians, and with unlimited bubbly to fill your glass, you'll feel like royalty. And, given the resort's location, you'll have first-class seats to the firework spectacle going on above! Rub shoulders with royalty at the QE2's Gala Dinner If you thought feeling like royalty was fun, wait until you board a vessel/hotel named after an actual monarch. That's right, the QE2, named after the late, great Queen Elizabeth II, is hosting an exclusive gala dinner on new year's eve. It's hardly surprising that this first-class vessel offers a first-class dining experience. Seven courses of the finest food and drink you'll find are followed by live music and dancing to ring in the new year. If that all sounds too opulent, they're hosting a tea party on the upper deck - just like Elizabeth would want. Either way, you'll have front-row seats to the fireworks. And fireworks are fun. Take it easy at La Mer Want to keep things low-key? Try visiting La Mer beach and check out the beachfront NYE festival. Perfect for kids - and bigger kids alike - you'll find tons of child-friendly entertainment to please the little ones. We're talking pettings zoos, carnival rides, live music, and a festive market, to name but a few. So you'll have plenty of choices when it comes to food and drink as well. And, as with many of the other choices here, you'll have a great spot to view the fireworks too. Go international at Global Dubai Village If you want to see how many cultures celebrate the new year under one roof, then Global Dubai Village is the perfect place to celebrate. Featuring New Year's Eve themes from over 70 countries, you'll need plenty of time to do the rounds. You'll find bargains at the market stalls, plenty of food and drink to keep the night going, and also entertainment from across the globe. There's really nothing quite like it, so if you want to experience something different this new year's eve in Dubai, then stop on by. And that's everything you need to know about new year's eve in Dubai! Want to make the most of your trip? Check out the very best of Dubai's entertainment with Go City. Pick an Explorer Pass or All-Inclusive Pass, and get everything for one low price!
Dom Bewley
dubai in september
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Dubai in September

Howdy there, traveler! So you're planning a trip to Dubai, are you? This desert oasis draws visitors from all over, so you're in good company. But when do you plan to visit? Is September a good time to vacation in Dubai? Well, scroll down, browse our guide to Dubai in September, and see what you think! Including: Dubai weather in September VR fun Underwater adventure Spooky escape rooms and more! Dubai in September: What to Expect It's hot. Really hot. Surprising perhaps no one, September in Dubai isn't your typical fall month. Instead, it's merely the tail end of Dubai's long, long summer. But the tail end doesn't mean you're in for a cooler time. Not really. That's because temperatures in September reach highs of 100°F or more and lows of around 79°F. So prepare for extreme temperatures, or perhaps go another month where the heat is more manageable. However, if you insist on September, then there are certainly some things to bear in mind. Bring a big hat, pack a load of factor 50 sunscreen, and avoid direct sunlight at peak hours to avoid shriveling up like a toasted prune. With those caveats in mind, we've peppered our recommendations with both inside and outside fun. You are most welcome, friend. Dubai in September: What to Do Nighttime BBQ Shenanigans When temperatures are enough to cook eggs on your car, embrace your inner vampire and stick to the shadows instead. But why settle for small shadows when you can utilize the humungous shadow that is nighttime? With nary a ray of sun in sight, you'll be safe. And where better to explore in this newfound safety than the beautiful sand dunes outside the city? On this BBQ and entertainment trip to the desert, you'll do just that. You'll be escorted from your hotel in a plush, air-conditioned 4x4 to the dunes. Then, you'll reach a camp and be treated to a mouth-watering menu of BBQ meats and veg. And refreshing drinks, of course. Once you're full, the entertainment kicks off. Catch a belly dancing show, partake in some sweet shisha, ride a camel, and even get a henna tattoo. Not bad. Then, as things wind down, you'll get a lift right back to your hotel to sleep off all the success. This BBQ soiree in Dubai is perfect for those looking to make the most of the cooler September nights. Evening Landmark Adventure! One of the joys of vacationing in an exciting new place is exploring the region's landmarks. And you'll be thrilled to know that Dubai has heaps of awe-inspiring buildings all across its skyline. And, in the spirit of your newfound vampirism, why not go see those sighs at night on a magical evening bus tour? Be sure to snap pictures of the grand Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), Dubai Mall, the Burj Al Arab, Ain Dubai, and the city harbor. That way, you'll get enough snaps to show your colleagues around the watercooler, and dodge the worst of the sun in the process! Does that smell like a win? Because it sure smells like a win to us. Spooky Escapes Looking for any other excuses to escape the heat? Look no further than Dubai's terrifying escape rooms at No Way Out. Because when it's hot outside, nothing quite beats being chased around the place by an ax-wielding maniac in the comfort of air-conditioning. With 10 spooky rooms on offer, including authentic offerings from the IT and Ring universes, you and up to 8 friends will battle the clock, devious traps, puzzles, and contend with creepy actors playing their parts as they try and scare you senseless. And if that wasn't enough, you can even stay after your game and sit down for a bit of interactive horror cinema. Each show features wind, water, and other special effects that will assault your senses as you watch. But, be careful. You never know when one of the actors will be creeping right behind your seat. Marvelous and cool, thanks to the aforementioned air-con. Explore sunny locales at a safe distance Another way to beat the heat is to simply travel to another realm. But how can that be? Aren't you firmly stuck in this reality? Well, not quite. Thanks to VR Park Dubai, alternate realities are just a headset away. Visitors, or adventurers, if you will, are welcome to immerse themselves in 7 games over the course of four hours. Suit up, slip your headset on, pick your poison, and play away. Can you make your way out of the VR Maze? Can you stop the robot uprising in Robocom? You can even challenge your friends or family to competitive games, including sports, platforming, and puzzle-solving genres. The perfect answer to an abrasively warm afternoon, explore virtual reality and see what all the buzz is about! Explore life beneath the surface And finally, let's end our cool list of sun-dodging goodness with perhaps the best escape of all - a journey beneath the oceans. And where better to find such an escape than at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo? You'll start your adventure in the aquarium's massive underwater tunnel, where you'll be able to see all sorts of aquatic species going about their day. Sharks, rays, and other exotic species will be swimming right above your head, and may even approach you if you're not too scary looking. Perfect for photo ops, as well as a strangely serene stroll, it's a one-of-a-kind experience in Dubai, and well worth a visit. After you've wandered along the tunnel, you'll reach the Underwater Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with tons of exotic fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic wonders. You'll meet spider crabs, otters, piranhas, penguins, and other colorful characters. Delightful, and a great way to escape September heat in Dubai! And that just about wraps our guide to Dubai in September! If you dare face the sun head-on and are looking for some outside activities, check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. Yes, even the shadeless bits for all you thick-skinned boys and girls!
Dom Bewley
Dubai
Blog

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This popular one day in Dubai itinerary includes the must see attractions to visit during a stopover in Dubai.
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